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Corporate Training

The Institute for Professional Excellence understands the importance of professional development and earning professional certificates and industry certifications as a way to gain confidence and increase value.

The Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx) at Davenport University offers results-oriented, targeted programs designed for busy working professionals. While other business programs are purely academic, IPEx is the place where Davenport University serves the corporate community. Through our courses, certificate programs, and corporate training, we develop employees for advancement. Each course enables participants to cultivate critical workplace knowledge, skills, and tools that can be applied immediately.

IPEx offers courses and certificate programs on a wide range of business and interpersonal topics like effective communication, supervisory management, project management, employee motivation, and business etiquette. We also offer exam prep training to prepare students for industry-specific certifications such as SHRM certification for the human resource professional, PMP for project management professionals, CMA certification for accounting professionals, and CPC certification for health care professionals.

For more information on all of the IPEx programs, visit davenport.edu/ipex. Start building your competitive advantage today!

Overview of IPEx Professional Development Courses

What are professional development courses?

IPEx professional development courses are short and intensive practical courses for professionals, managers and entrepreneurs. You will learn new strategies and techniques for developing your team, improving your communication with others, moving through change, leading effectively and more. Put what you learn into practice immediately to improve your ability to bring about positive change and meet organizational goals. Courses are held in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Livonia.

What are the content areas taught in professional development courses?

Our programs combine thought leadership with best practices and solid frameworks. Participants leave with new insights they can apply immediately to their individual challenges at work while contributing to the overall strength of their organizations.

Although there are no formal education or background requirements, they are most appropriate for individuals with a minimum of five years of work experience that can relate to the strategic application of the course content. Each professional development course is designed with a particular audience in mind, which can be referenced on each course's individual webpage.

While we strongly encourage global participation, please note that all courses are taught in English. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

Professional development courses are offered year-round. Each course is one- to twelve-days in length. Please note, programs that are more than one day may not be held on consecutive days.

Click here for the schedule table that includes course dates, categorized by month.

Is academic or professional credit received by taking IPEx professional development courses?

In general, IPEx professional development courses are non-credit courses that cannot be applied towards a formal degree. Instead, they are a way to continue and supplement your learning outside of investing in a degree. However, some of our courses are eligible for academic credit. Contact us to learn more.

As for professional credits, the IPEx at Davenport University is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards and boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual programs. In accordance with NASBA guidelines, all of our programs have a group-live instructional method.

Does IPEx offer custom designed courses for organizations?

Yes! From group registrations to fully custom programs and everything in between, IPEx at Davenport University partners with you to design and deliver educational experiences for your organization based on identified learning objectives and desired outcomes. To find out more information, please refer to the Custom Programs website here.

Processes for Application, Enrollment, and Payment

What is the payment process to formally enroll?

Once you complete the registration form, you will receive an email confirmation within 1 business day. Your enrollment and space in the program is confirmed upon registration. All invoices for payment are due upon receipt. Payment can be made by check or credit card. If you are making payment from abroad, we can accept electronic wire transfers. Please contact the Professional Development office at ipex@davenport.edu for instructions.

What is the process for requesting to withdraw an application or cancel an enrollment?

Cancellations: All notifications of withdrawals, transfers, and substitutions must be emailed to ipex@davenport.edu prior to the start of the course.

IPEx does not offer refunds except under two specific circumstances:

1. Cancellation notification is received prior to the first day of class.

2. IPEx at Davenport University reserves the right to cancel any program at any time. If a program is canceled, IPEx’s liability is limited to a full refund of the program fee already paid.

IPEx at Davenport University is not responsible for travel or related costs under any circumstances.

IPEx Refund Policy:

Course refunds are issued under the following conditions:

100% refund: eligible with course withdrawal before the course start date and with the return of all materials in new and unopened* condition. If you remove any seals or packaging from your course materials you will not receive a refund.

No refund: All withdrawals after the course start date will not be issued a refund unless under special circumstances that will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Any refund issued under the given circumstances will not include textbook and material fees. Please contact us for more information or to submit a case.

Important: refunds are not available for open textbooks and materials regardless of when the course is dropped. Do not remove any packaging, including shrink wrapped plastic, until you are certain you will remain enrolled in the class.

What is the process for transferring funds to another professional development course instead?

Transfer requests must be sent in writing to ipex@davenport.edu prior to the start of the course. One transfer to a subsequent program of equal or lesser value will be permitted within 12 months of the original program's start date, provided that there are seats available in the requested program. If the participant would like to transfer to a program of higher monetary value, then they are responsible to pay any overages.

Do you offer any tuition discounts or scholarships?

We do not offer any scholarships; however, there are many discounts to take advantage of. Please email us at ipex@davenport.edu with the name of the course(s) that you are interested in. We will identify discount options and send you a coupon code to use on your registration.

What is included in the professional development course enrollment fee?

The program fee includes tuition, all academic course materials, and catering (breakfasts, lunches, and snacks). Accommodation and travel is not included in the fee.

Complaint Resolution Policy:

The Institute for Professional Excellence at Davenport University is committed to a process that provides for prompt and equitable resolution of all student complaints and issues to the satisfaction of both the member of the University community and the University. The Issue Resolution Procedure is designed to provide the University community with both an informal and formal process whereby a member of the University community may request the review and resolution of a concern if satisfactory resolution has not been reached by way of the daily problem-solving activities which, in most cases, should result in immediate resolution. Members of the University community are encouraged to address any concerns immediately with the supervisor of the area the issue or complaint lies; timely and candid discussions best assures that a minor problem does not develop into a major one. If the problem is not resolved the student is encouraged to submit an Issue Resolution request via the following web link: https://publicdocs.maxient.com/reportingform.php?DavenportUniv&layout_id=8.

Logistical Questions

Where are professional development courses held?

IPEx professional development programs are held at three campus locations: Grand Rapids, Lansing and Livonia. Programs are held in our modern classrooms. We are equipped to deliver custom programs at our campus or a global location of our client's choice.Contact Us to learn more.

What is the daily schedule of a professional development course?

All of our professional development courses are offered on weekdays only. The daily teaching schedule for all courses is from 9am to 5pm. Coffe and refreshments will be available each day at 8:30am. Lunch and morning and afternoon breaks are also included. Classes start promptly at 9am and end at 5pm daily.

What is the recommended attire for class days?

Business casual attire is appropriate during all IPEx professional development programs. We recommend dressing in layers to accommodate temperature variances in the classrooms and common areas.

How can I continue to stay in touch with fellow participants from the course?

We encourage participants to join our Institute for Professional Excellence at Davenport University LinkedIn network after completion of their course to connect with other training participants and stay up to date on IPEx events.